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Tight Lacing or Hold Fast Behind, March 1, 1777. Creator: Matthew Darly
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Tight Lacing or Hold Fast Behind, March 1, 1777. Creator: Matthew Darly
Tight Lacing or Hold Fast Behind, March 1, 1777
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Media ID 20572843
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Absurd Corset Darly Darly Matthew Fastening Georgian Keystone Keystone Archives Matthew Matthew Darly Mocking Servant Vanity Head Dress Headgear Lampooning Outsized Satirical Tight
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This satirical print by Matthew Darly, titled "Tight Lacing or Hold Fast Behind" offers a humorous commentary on the fashion trends and societal norms of 18th-century Britain. Created in March 1777, it depicts an outsized male servant struggling to fasten the corset of an equally exaggerated female figure. The artist's keen sense of absurdity is evident in the comically distorted proportions and elaborate hairstyles showcased in this caricature. The woman's vanity is highlighted through her extravagant dress, headgear, and wig, while the man's role as a servant emphasizes his subservience. Through this cartoonish portrayal, Darly lampoons both gender roles and fashion conventions of the time. The tight lacing depicted here symbolizes not only physical discomfort but also societal constraints imposed upon women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Darly's engraving skillfully captures the essence of Georgian-era England with its meticulous attention to detail and vibrant use of color. This piece serves as a testament to his talent for mocking social customs through art. Now housed at The Met museum under Keystone Archives' collection, this artwork remains a valuable artifact that provides insight into historical attitudes towards clothing, appearance, and class distinctions during the 18th century.
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